President Akufo-Addo says incentives put in place by his government including the introduction of his party’s flagship ‘planting for food and job’ programs has led to a massive increase in the production of crops.
The president, who was excited about the development said crops like maize and rice have witnessed 89% and 48% increase, respectfully between 2016 and 2018.
“Available statistics on selected crop yield in 2018 compared to 2016 indicate increases in maize production by 89% that is 1.8 metric tons per hectare to 3.4 metric tons per hectare, rice increased in production from 2.7 metric tons per hectare to 4 metric tons per hectare. There was a 200% increase in soya from 1 metric ton per hectare to 3 metric tons per hectare. This achievement was as a direct result of the provision of subsidies fertilizer and certified improved seedlings.”
President Akufo-Addo added that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives across the country have been directed to establish seed gardens from which seedlings will be distributed to farmers.
He added that the government was also in the process of constructing 80 warehouses across the country to prevent post-harvest losses.
“MMDCEs have been given responsibilities to establish seed gardens and produce seedlings to be distributed to farmers all over the country free of charge. The target is to plant enough seedlings over a period of 6 to 7 years to produce exports worth 2 billion dollars per year for each of the seven crops.”
Concluding his speech at the 35th National Farmers day celebration held at the Ho Jubilee Park in the Volta Region, Nana Akufo–Addo urged Ghanaians to consume locally produced foodstuff especially rice, so post-harvest losses by rice farmers will be prevented.
“Rebecca, my beautiful wife and our First Lady insists that we eat local rice at home and has made sure of this. I call on all Ghanaians to follow my example and eat local rice. Let me assure all present that government will continue to prioritise agriculture to make the sector one of the most vibrant in the country.”
Latest Stories
-
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
5 mins -
At least 56 people dead in Sudan’s North Darfur state, Doctors Without Borders says
50 mins -
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
1 hour -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
2 hours -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
3 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
3 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
3 hours -
DJ Azonto seeks $10m from Bawumia for unauthorised use of his song
3 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
4 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
5 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
5 hours -
US-funded Power Africa Program expands access to clean and affordable energy for Ghanaians
5 hours -
Asantehene’s daughter talks marriage, royal dynamics and cultural understanding
5 hours -
Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate
6 hours -
Government must invest in ECG to resolve revenue leakages – IES
6 hours